Method of implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient

ABSTRACT

A method of implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient includes providing an implantable cylinder with a resorbable component attached to an exterior surface of the implantable cylinder and a tow line engaged with the resorbable component. The method includes inserting the tow line into a corpora cavernosum of a penis, directing the tow line through a glans of the penis, and pulling on the tow line and moving the implantable cylinder into the corpora cavernosum of the penis. The method includes locating a distal end of the implantable cylinder in a distal location in the corpora cavernosum of the penis, and disengaging the tow line from the resorbable component.

BACKGROUND

An implanted penile prosthetic is effective in relieving erectiledysfunction in men.

An inflatable penile prosthetic typically includes a cylinder that isimplanted in each corpora cavernosum of the penis, a fluid reservoir,and a pump with valve mechanisms to move fluid from the reservoir to thecylinder to create an erection in the penis. Other penile prostheticsinclude a malleable cylinder without inflation fluid.

Placement of a cylinder in the corpora cavernosum in a typical surgicalprocedure includes dilating the corpora cavernosum with a dilation toolto form an implant space sized to receive the cylinder. The cylinder isintroduced into the implant space with a needle and a suture. One end ofthe suture is attached to the leading end of the cylinder and anopposite end of the suture is attached to a Keith needle. The Keithneedle is directed through the glans penis and the cylinder is pulleddistally towards the glans penis inside the corpora cavernosum.

The above-described penile prosthetics have proven effective inrelieving erectile dysfunction in men. However, improvements to penileprostheses would be welcomed by surgeons and patients alike.

SUMMARY

One aspect provides a penile prosthetic including a cylinder that isimplantable into a corpora cavernosum of a penis. A resorbablesuture-engagement component is attached to an exterior surface of thecylinder.

One aspect provides an implantable penile prosthetic system including apump attachable between a reservoir and an inflatable cylinder. Thecylinder is configured to be placed in a corpora cavernosum of a penis.A resorbable suture-engagement component is attached to an exteriorsurface of the cylinder.

One aspect provides a penile prosthetic including a cylinder that isimplantable into a corpora cavernosum of a penis, the cylinder having awall that forms an exterior surface of the penile prosthetic. The wallextends from a proximal end portion to a distal end portion of thepenile prosthetic. A suture-engaging component is attached to theexterior surface of the penile prosthetic. The suture-engaging componentis resorbable into the tissue of the penis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments andtogether with the description serve to explain principles ofembodiments. Other embodiments and many of the intended advantages ofembodiments will be readily appreciated as they become better understoodby reference to the following detailed description. The elements of thedrawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other. Likereference numerals designate corresponding similar parts.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a distal portion of apenile prosthetic including a resorbable suture-engaging component.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prostheticcylinder including a resorbable suture-engaging component.

FIG. 1C is another perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1B inwhich the resorbable suture-engaging component is engaged by a suture.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal end portionof the penile prosthetic illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged end view of a distal end portion of theembodiment of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A is perspective view of a distal end portion of one embodiment ofthe suture-engaging component having a strand of tow suture attached toa ring.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a ring attached to adistal end portion of one embodiment of a penile prosthetic.

FIG. 3C is perspective view of a distal end portion of one embodiment ofthe suture-engaging component in the form of a ring with two individualstrands of tow suture attached to it.

FIG. 3D is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a ring attached to adistal end portion of one embodiment of a penile prosthetic.

FIG. 3E is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal end portionof one embodiment of a penile prosthetic.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal end portionof one embodiment of a penile prosthetic engaged by a suture.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of asuture-engaging component.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prostheticincluding a resorbable suture-engaging component and a tip component.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal end portionof one embodiment of a penile prosthetic also showing a tip componentand a suture.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prostheticwherein the cylinder is malleable.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prostheticsystem including a pump connected between a reservoir and a cylinder,the cylinder including a resorbable suture-engaging component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shownby way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention maybe practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as “top,”“bottom,” “front,” “back,” “leading,” “trailing,” etc., is used withreference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Becausecomponents of embodiments can be positioned in a number of differentorientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes ofillustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thefollowing detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in alimiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by theappended claims.

It is to be understood that the features of the various exemplaryembodiments described herein may be combined with each other, unlessspecifically noted otherwise.

The term “proximal” as employed in this application means that thereferenced part is situated next to or near the point of attachment ororigin or a central point: as located toward a center of the human body.The term “distal” as employed in this application means that thereferenced part is situated away from the point of attachment or originor the central point: as located away from the center of the human body.A distal end is the furthest endmost location of a distal portion of athing being described, whereas a proximal end is the nearest endmostlocation of a proximal portion of the thing being described. Forexample, the glans penis is located distal, and of the crus of the penisis located proximal relative to the male body such that a distal end ofa corpora cavernosum of the patient extends about midway into the glanspenis.

In this specification, “end” means endmost and “end portion” means thatsegment of a thing that is adjacent to and extends from the end.

In this specification, “substantially constant” in relation to a wallthickness means that the wall is configured to have equal thickness overa given area or portion except for production tolerances or acceptablevariations in dimensions.

In this specification, “resorbable” characterizes a component ormaterial that dissolves in body tissue of a patient over time. By“dissolves” is to be understood that the component or material isconfigured to lose its initial structural integrity and ceases to havesignificant coherence. In other words, once dissolved the component ormaterial no longer provides a structural contribution to the penileprosthetic. The amount of time it takes for the component or material todissolve is in dependency of the type of component or material and thedimensions thereof. It is useful if the component or material isdissolved at the end of a healing period after the implantation of thepenile prosthetic. This will vary from patient to patient with differentanatomies, but typically within 4-8 weeks post-surgery.

Experience has shown that higher satisfaction with penile prostheticsincluding one or two cylinders is obtained if the characteristics of thecylinder do not alter noticeably over the extent of the cylinder. Thisis likely because any alteration in such characteristics changes the“feel” of the erection that may be sensed by the patient or his partnerduring sexual activity. Improvements to penile prosthetic cylinders arepossible if an end portion of the cylinder located in the distal-mostpart of the corpora cavernosum, adjacent the glans penis, is “filled” asmuch as possible to optimally expand that part of the corpora cavernosum(the front of the penis is expanded to the widest girth possible).Patient feedback indicates that optimized filling of the distal part ofthe corpora cavernosum provides a more natural feel of the erection.Sometimes a tip-piece or similar is utilized to optimize filling of thedistal-most part of the corpora cavernosum.

Embodiments provide a penile prosthetic that is implantable into thecorpora cavernosum of a penis. The penile prosthetic includes a cylinderand a resorbable suture-engaging component (RSEC). The RSEC attaches toan exterior surface of the cylinder. The RSEC is attachable to suture ora like material to assist the surgeon in implanting and adjusting theposition of the cylinder in the corpora cavernosum. The RSEC is capableof subsequent biodegradation and absorption into the body of thepatient, leaving the distal end portion of the cylinder unconstrained orunfettered by any form of a tip-piece. In embodiments wherein thecylinder in inflatable the unconstrained tip-piece of the cylinderexpands as fully and naturally as the other portions of the cylinder toprovide the user with a full and maximally expanded cylinder tip forimproved girth and fullness in the area of the glans penis.

The RSEC allows the surgeon to place the cylinder in the penis with afamiliar surgical approach. For example, the surgeon checks that one endof a suture (a tow suture) is engaged with the RSEC. The tow suture isled in the distal direction through the penis glans so that it ispossible for the surgeon to pull the tow suture externally of the penisand move the cylinder in the distal direction, i.e. towards thedistal-most part of the corpora cavernosum. The tow suture is pullableto move the cylinder in the distal direction and adjust it to optimallylocate in, and fill, the distal-most part of the corpora cavernosum. TheRSEC ensures that it is possible to engage the tow suture with thecylinder without providing a permanent attachment feature thatundesirably changes the characteristics of the prosthetic.

Embodiments provide a penile prosthetic including a cylinder having awall that forms an exterior surface of the penile prosthetic and extendsfrom a proximal to a distal end of the penile prosthetic with an RSECattached to the exterior surface.

Embodiments provide a penile prosthetic including an RSEC, which willdissolve inside the corpora cavernosum during the post-surgery healingtime.

Embodiments provide a penile prosthetic that is easy to implant andadjust to optimally locate in and fill a distal-most part of the corporacavernosum which provides an improved “feel” of the erection.

Embodiments provide an implantable penile prosthetic system including apump attachable between a reservoir and an inflatable cylinderconfigured to be placed in a corpora cavernosum of a penis. An RSEC isattached to an exterior surface of the cylinder. The inflatable cylinderof the system is configured to be easily located in and fill adistal-most part of the corpora cavernosum to provide an improved “feel”of the erection.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prosthetic20. The penile prosthetic 20 includes a cylinder 22 and a resorbablesuture-engaging component (RSEC) 24 is attached to an exterior surface26 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the RSEC 24 attaches to adistal end portion 28 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the distalend portion 28 is located between an annular shoulder 30 and a distalend 32 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the penile prosthetic 20includes a rear tip 21 attached to the cylinder 22 and tubing 27extending from a tubing junction 25 in the rear tip 21, as illustratedin FIG. 1B. FIG. 1C shows another perspective view of a cylinder as inFIG. 1B in which a suture 42 is engaged with the RSEC 24.

FIG. 2A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a distal portion23 of one embodiment of the penile prosthetic 20 having a maximumdiameter D1 of a main body portion 38 of the cylinder. In oneembodiment, the RSEC includes a ring 34 attached annularly around theexterior surface 26 of the cylinder 22 and having a maximum outerdiameter D2. In one embodiment, the ring 34 is offset a distance awayfrom the distal end 32 of the cylinder 22. The distance is at most threetimes the measurement of a maximum outer diameter D3 of the distal endportion 28 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the distal end portion28 tapers distally from the annular shoulder 30 in a direction towardsdistal end 32, in which embodiment maximum diameter D3 is measured wherethe distal end portion 28 meets annular shoulder 30. In one embodiment,distal end portion 28 does not taper. In one embodiment, the ring 34 isattached to the exterior surface 26 at, or adjacent to, the annularshoulder 30. In one embodiment, the ring 34 is attached to the exteriorsurface 26 in a location proximal to the annular shoulder 30. In oneembodiment, the ring 34 is attached to the exterior surface 26 distal tothe annular shoulder 30, i.e. on the distal end portion 28 of thecylinder 22.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged end view of one embodiment of the distal portion23 of the cylinder 22 as illustrated in FIG. 2A. The RSEC includes aring 34 attached annularly around the distal end portion 28 of thecylinder 22 adjacent annular shoulder 30. For illustration purposes, inFIG. 2B a distance or space is visible between the ring 34 and theannular shoulder 30 indicating the ring 34 being in a location proximalto the annular shoulder 30. However, as presented above the ring 34 mayalso be located distal to the annular shoulder 30 in which case nodistance/space would be visible between the ring 34 and the annularshoulder 30. In one embodiment, the distal end portion 28 of thecylinder 22 has a substantially constant thickness t.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of a distal portion 23 of one embodimentof the penile prosthetic including a ring 34 attached to the cylinder 22proximal to a distal end portion 28 of the cylinder. In one embodimentthe ring 34 is engaged with a suture strand 42 extending through a pairof slots 50 provided in the ring with approximately 180 degrees of thering between them. In one embodiment the ring 34 has a width and athickness and defines and inner and an outer annular surface, the innersurface engaging with the cylinder 22.

FIG. 3B is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal portion ofone embodiment of the penile prosthetic 20. In one embodiment, distalportion 23 of the cylinder 22 includes a tapering segment 36 between anannular shoulder 30 and a main body portion 38 of the cylinder 22. Inone embodiment, a proximal-most end 40 of the tapering segment 36 islocated at a distance L of no more than three times the measurement of amaximum outer diameter D3 of the distal end portion 28 of the cylinder22 (L≦3*D3). In the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the ring 34 is attached tothe exterior surface 26 on tapering segment 36 within the distance L.Also shown is a suture 42 engaged with the RSEC 24. In one embodiment,the suture 42 includes a bifurcated portion 44 and a line portion 46that may be connected in a knot 48. The bifurcated portion 44 includesarms 44a,44b that each engage with the RSEC 24. In one embodiment, theRSEC 24 is configured for bonding with one end of the length of suture42. In one embodiment, the bond may be releasable. In one embodiment,the bond may be removable. In one embodiment, one end of the length ofsuture 42 is molded into engagement with the RSEC 24. In one embodiment,the RSEC 24 includes a slot 50 that receives and engages with a suture42. In one embodiment, the slot 50 extends through the RSEC 24. In theembodiment shown, the suture 42 extends through one slot 50 and throughanother slot 50. One advantage is that this allows for use of a singlestrand of tow suture.

In one embodiment, shown in the perspective view of the distal portion23 in FIG. 3C, one end of the length of suture 42 goes through the slot50 and is tied on one side of the slot in a knot or ball 51 that islarge enough not to slip through the slot 50. In one embodiment, theslot 50 in the resorbable material is configured to resorb quicklyenough to allow for the knot or ball 51 to be pulled through the slot 50for removal during the surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the lengthof suture 42 is engaged with the RSEC 24 during manufacture of theprosthetic. In one embodiment, the RSEC 24 is configured to be engagedwith a suture by the surgeon or an assistant.

FIG. 3D is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a distal portionof one embodiment of the penile prosthetic 20, in which the cylinder 22does not include an annular shoulder such that tapering segment 36transitions smoothly into distal end portion 28.

FIG. 3E is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal portion ofone embodiment of the penile prosthetic 20. The distal end portion 28 isattached directly to the main body portion 38 and has the same diameteras the main body portion 38 at the location of attachment.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal portion 23of one embodiment of the penile prosthetic 20. In one embodiment, theRSEC 24 includes a tip member 52 attached to the distal end portion 28of the cylinder 22 (indicated in phantom line). The tip member 52 isresorbable. In one embodiment, the tip member 52 is attached to thedistal end portion 28 by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the exteriorsurface 26 of the cylinder 22 is primed with a primer coating foradhesive attachment of the RSEC 24 to the cylinder 22. In oneembodiment, a proximal end 53 of the tip member 52 abuts the annularshoulder 30. A suture 42 is shown engaging with the tip member 52through a slot 50.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of one embodiment of RSECwherein the tip member 52 is configured as a thimble-like structurehaving an interior surface 54 configured to attach annularly around thedistal end portion 28 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the tipmember 52 attaches to the cylinder 22 around less than an entirety of anexterior surface of the distal end portion 28. In one embodiment, thetip member 52 includes a slot 50 to receive suture 42. Other structuresfor receiving the suture and attaching it to the tip member 52 areacceptable including, but not limited to, an eye or a loop protrudingfrom an exterior surface 56 of the tip member 52. A wall thickness ofthe resorbable material of the tip member 52 is one parameter fordetermining the time it takes before the resorbable tip member 52 losesstructural integrity and eventually dissolves in the patient's body. Athicker wall will take longer time to dissolve than a thinner wall. Inone embodiment, a portion of the wall of the tip member 52 adjacent toan apex 58 of the tip member has an increased material thickness toaccommodate the slot 50.

In one embodiment, the RSEC 24 is bonded to the exterior surface 26 ofthe cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the RSEC is releasably bonded to theexterior surface 26 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the RSEC isremovably bonded to the exterior surface 26 of the cylinder 22.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prosthetic 20including a cylinder 22 suitable for implantation into a corporacavernosum of a penis. An RSEC 24 configured as a ring 34 is attached toan exterior surface 26 of the cylinder 22. In one embodiment, the penileprosthetic 20 includes a tip component 60. In one embodiment, the tipcomponent 60 is manufactured from a silicone material. In oneembodiment, the ring 34 is attached to the cylinder 22 proximal to thetip component 60. The tip component 60 is useful for providingadditional filling of the distal-most part of the corpora cavernosum. Byusing a silicone material for the tip component 60, the gain in erection“feel” due to the additional filling is achieved with a soft material.This provides a penile prosthetic with no sudden change incharacteristics and with a desirable softness of the penile prostheticin the distal part of the corpora cavernosum adjacent or contacting theglans penis to the benefit of the erection feel for both the patient andhis sexual partner. In one embodiment, the cylinder 22 has a uniformwall thickness T, i.e. the cylinder wall has the same thickness over itsentirety.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged part cross-sectional view of a distal portion 23of one embodiment of a penile prosthesis 20. In one embodiment, an RSECincluding a ring 34 is attached to the cylinder 22 at the annularshoulder 30. In one embodiment, a tip component 60 is attached to adistal end portion 28 of the cylinder 22 distal to the ring 34. In oneembodiment, a proximal end 62 of the tip component abuts the ring 34. Asuture 42 engaged with the ring 34 is shown extending in a distaldirection from the ring 34.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment wherein the cylinder 22is a malleable cylinder including a silicone elastomer shaft 70 and asilver wire coil 72 configured to be placed around a silver wire core 74with a portion of the core and coil wrapped in a polymer 76 such asurethane and at least one other portion wrapped in a polymer such as apolyester or a polyethylene terephthalate. Both segments are over-moldedwith a silicone rubber. It is useful to apply a hydrophilic coating tothe exterior surface of the silicone rubber. Suitable malleablecylinders are available from Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, Minn.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a penile prostheticsystem 120 including a pump 180 connected between a liquid reservoir 182and an inflatable cylinder 22, the cylinder 22 including a resorbablesuture-engaging component (RSEC) 24. Tubing 184,186 connects the pumpand the cylinders, and the pump and the reservoir, respectively. In oneembodiment, the tubing 184 communicates with the inflatable cylinder 22through a rear tip 21. In one embodiment, the system 120 includes twoindividual inflatable cylinders 22. Pressure on the pump 180 causes flowof liquid from the reservoir 182 to the cylinders 22 to create anerection in the penis. The pump 180 can include a valve activatable torelease the liquid from the cylinders 22 to flow back to the reservoir182.

In one embodiment, the cylinder of the penile prosthetic is inflatable.Suitable materials for fabricating the inflatable cylinder includesilicone, polymers such as urethanes, blends of polymers with urethane,copolymers of urethane, or the like. Suitable inflatable cylinders areavailable from Coloplast Corp., Minneapolis, Minn. In one embodiment,the pump and the reservoir are fabricated from material suitable forbody implantation, such as silicone or the urethane-based materialsdescribed above for the cylinder.

In embodiments wherein the cylinder 22 is inflatable, using the RSEC 24for the implantation procedure provides an additional advantage in thesubsequent post healing time use of the prosthetic. The advantageincludes that the distal end portion 28 is capable of the same level ofexpansion as the remaining part of the cylinder 22 because no permanentsuture attachment feature is necessary near or at the distal end portion28. As the inflatable cylinder 22 is capable of expanding equallythroughout its extent, the “feel” of the erection is more natural. Also,the part of the prosthetic located in the distal most part of thecorpora cavernosum has the same characteristics as the rest of theprosthetic while better filling the space of the corpora cavernosum at,or adjacent to, the glans penis.

Suitable materials for the resorbable suture-engaging component includepolyester urethane (PEU), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid(PGA), polylactic acid (PLLA), polydioxanone (PDO) and variouscopolymers of these.

Attachment of the RSEC 24 to the cylinder 22 may be achieved indifferent ways, including adhesively bond the RSEC 24 onto the cylinderby a solvent bond or using a PU adhesive in embodiments wherein thecylinder too is manufactured from a PU. In one embodiment, the RSEC 24is directly built up from resorbable PEU liquid precursors on the PUsurface of the cylinder instead of the RSEC 24 being separately providedand attached. In one embodiment, the RSEC 24 is provided as a ring 34that is mechanically adhered by making an inner diameter of the ring 34slightly smaller than an outer diameter of the cylinder 22 (at thedesired location of attachment). By application of a solvent to thering, the ring swells which allows it to be placed around the cylindersurface. When the solvent vaporizes the ring shrinks back down andadheres through mechanical and Van der Waals forces.

Embodiments have been described in which a penile prosthetic includes aresorbable component for engagement with a suture used to tow the penileprosthetic distally into the corpora cavernosum of a penis. Theresorbable component dissolves over the post-surgery heal time andprovides for the penile prosthetic to be easily locatable and adjustablewithout necessitating permanent suture attachment features on theprosthetic to enable the surgeon to pull the prosthetic distally. Thisin turn ensures a penile prosthetic with little or no influence on thecharacteristics over the longitudinal extent of the surface of thepenile prosthetic.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown and described withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of medical devices asdiscussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of implanting a penile prosthetic in apatient, the method comprising: providing an implantable cylinder with aresorbable component attached to an exterior surface of the implantablecylinder and a tow line engaged with the resorbable component; insertingthe tow line into a corpora cavernosum of a penis and directing the towline through a glans of the penis; pulling on the tow line and movingthe implantable cylinder into the corpora cavernosum of the penis;locating a distal end of the implantable cylinder in a distal locationin the corpora cavernosum of the penis; and disengaging the tow linefrom the resorbable component.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theresorbable component is a resorbable cap that is fitted over the distalend of the implantable cylinder, the method further comprising: locatingthe resorbable cap in the distal location in the corpora cavernosum ofthe penis and filling the distal location in the corpora cavernosum ofthe penis with the resorbable cap.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein theresorbable component is a resorbable ring that is attached annularlyaround a distal end portion of the implantable cylinder, the methodfurther comprising: disengaging the tow line from the resorbable ring.4. The method of claim 1, wherein the implantable cylinder has asubstantially constant wall thickness measured between a tubing junctionand the distal end of the implantable cylinder, the method furthercomprising: inflating the implantable cylinder with a liquid andproviding a shaft and the glans of the penis with a uniform erection. 5.The method of claim 1, wherein the implantable cylinder is an inflatableimplantable cylinder, the method further comprising: inflating theinflatable implantable cylinder with a liquid and providing the peniswith an erection.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the implantablecylinder is a malleable implantable cylinder, the method furthercomprising: straightening the malleable implantable cylinder andproviding the penis with an erection.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: attaching a pump and a reservoir to the implantablecylinder; implanting the pump within a body of the patient, implantingthe reservoir within the body of the patient, and implanting theimplantable cylinder within the corpora cavernosum of a penis.
 8. Amethod of implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient, the methodcomprising: providing an inflatable penile implant having a resorbablecomponent attached to an exterior surface of the inflatable penileimplant and a tow line engaged with the resorbable component; directinga section of the tow line through a corpora cavernosum and through aglans of the penis of the patient; pulling on the section of the towline directed through the glans of the penis of the patient, towing theinflatable penile implant into the corpora cavernosum of the penis, andlocating a distal end of the inflatable penile implant within a distallocation in the corpora cavernosum of the penis; and disengaging the towline from the resorbable component and leaving the inflatable penileimplant in the corpora cavernosum of the penis.
 9. The method of claim8, wherein the resorbable component is a resorbable cap that is fittedover the distal end of the inflatable penile implant, the method furthercomprising: locating the resorbable cap within the distal location inthe corpora cavernosum of the penis.
 10. The method of claim 8, whereinthe resorbable component is a resorbable ring that is attached annularlyaround a distal end portion of the inflatable penile implant, the methodfurther comprising: disengaging the tow line from the resorbable ring.11. A method of implanting a penile prosthetic in a patient, the methodcomprising: providing an implantable cylinder with a resorbablecomponent attached to an exterior surface of the implantable cylinderand a tow line engaged with the resorbable component; inserting the towline into a corpora cavernosum of a penis and directing the tow linethrough a glans of the penis; pulling on the tow line and moving theimplantable cylinder into the corpora cavernosum of the penis; anddisengaging the tow line from the resorbable component.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the resorbable component is a resorbable cap thatis fitted over the distal end of the implantable cylinder, the methodfurther comprising: locating the resorbable cap in a distal location inthe corpora cavernosum of the penis and filling the distal location inthe corpora cavernosum of the penis with the resorbable cap.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the resorbable component is a resorbablering that is attached annularly around a distal end portion of theimplantable cylinder, the method further comprising: disengaging the towline from the resorbable ring.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein theimplantable cylinder is an inflatable implantable cylinder, the methodfurther comprising: inflating the inflatable implantable cylinder with aliquid and providing the penis with an erection.
 15. The method of claim11, wherein the implantable cylinder is a malleable implantablecylinder, the method further comprising: straightening the malleableimplantable cylinder and providing the penis with an erection.
 16. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising: attaching a pump and a reservoirto the implantable cylinder; implanting the pump within a body of thepatient, implanting the reservoir within the body of the patient, andimplanting the implantable cylinder within the corpora cavernosum of apenis.